Resident at The Cottages celebrates half a century in Las Vegas Valley

Othena Williams has gained quite a name for herself in her 50 years in Southern Nevada.

The new resident of The Cottages of Green Valley, a memory care and assisted living complex located at 2620 Robindale Road in Henderson, has a storied history in Henderson, where she operated Othena's Fashions on Water Street.

She opened her business in 1975 at the age of 62. The business operated for 20 years.

In addition, Williams raised $3 million for a hospice in Henderson two years ago.

Williams and her husband, Earl, moved to Southern Nevada from Marysville, Calif. in 1961. He worked at the Nevada Test Site.

Known as "The Queen of Henderson," Williams belonged to numerous groups in the city. She was the president of the Seroptomists and she was also president of the auxiliary for the Senior Center, which funded food programs.

"We had tributes to (Clark County Commissioner) Bruce Woodbury, Sen. Richard Bryan, (automobile dealer) Ben Stepman, among others," she said. "Somebody had to do it, and I felt like I could. I did it to the best of my ability. All of the money went to Meals on Wheels. I just did what I thought needed to be done. Mark Pfister was our master of ceremonies all of the time, and he always called me Mom."

Williams said a tribute to Selma Bartlett, who was president of the city's First Interstate Bank (before it merged with Wells Fargo) for 40 years, raised $18,000 for Henderson's Meals on Wheels food program for seniors.

"I have enjoyed the ride so immensely, because I have seen need and tried to take care of it," said the 87-year-old Williams.

Williams said she feels at home where she lives now.

"I love it here," she said. "The people come in to check on me, and I appreciate that with every bone in my body."

Mary Jo Burgher, marketing director of The Cottages of Green Valley, said she is planning a luncheon in Othena's honor.

"This will give her the chance to renew old friendships," Burgher said. "Lord knows she has a lot of friends, too."

Williams moved to The Cottages to free her two daughters from the concerns of her care.

"God intended me to be at The Cottages, so my daughters could pursue taking care of their own health," she said. "Now my girls don't have to worry about me anymore. I treasure my daughters, and don't want them to worry."

Williams said many of her old friends call on her frequently.

"They come and check on me often," she said. "I'm so pleased with that."

At The Cottages of Green Valley, residents live and eat with others who live in the same cottage, which houses 12 residents.

Each resident is provided meals three times a day. A higher-than-average caregiver ratio ensures attention for residents, who average 83.5 years of age.

Additionally, The Cottages have two activity directors servingabout 100 residents.

The complex, which opened in 2002, has five memory care cottages, three assisted-living cottages and one Easy Care or independent-style cottage.

For more information, visit The Cottages of Green Valley from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily. Scheduled evening tours are also available by calling 992-0000.

Additional information is also available on the Web at CottagesGV.com.